by Andrew Dolkart The 1901 Tenement House Act was the most far-reaching of all the tenement reform bills. Along with setting standards that all but banned the construction of tenements on 25 foot wide lots (tenements erected after 1901 are often referred to as "new law" buildings), the bill required improved light, ventilation, and toilet facilities. Most importantly for the history of 97 Orchard Street and other older buildings, the legislation mandated a series of changes designed to improve conditions in pre-existing tenements. The 1901 Act also established the Tenement House Commission, which surveyed conditions in the city's tenements and implemented the new law. Part One: 1: Birth of the Act

Inspect the Article: Part One: Birth of a Housing Act Part Two: Landlords Fight the Law Part Three: The Commissioner's Survey Part Four: Let There Be Light: The Hallways Part Five: Let There Be Light Two: The Apartments Part Six: Cleaning Up The Toilets